On the job with Meredith Payne of the Kids to Love Foundation in Huntsville

Can't never could – never let someone tell you that you can't do something in life.

Meredith Payne is development director for the Kids to Love Foundation in Huntsville. (Submitted)

Name: Meredith Payne

Age: 40

Education: Master's degree from Auburn University in Montgomery

Experience: "I have been in my current position with Kids to Love since April of 2013, but have worked in the field of social services for more than 15 years."

Job title: Development director

Employer: Kids to Love Foundation

Number of employees: Four full/part-time employees

Job description: "I am responsible for day-to-day management of all fundraising activities, and for hands-on implementation and conclusion of the fundraising plans and initiatives for the Kids to Love Foundation – working closely with Lee Marshall, founder of the Kids to Love Foundation, and the board of directors to develop prospective donors leading to successful asks and executing our fundraising strategy in support of our future goals. I also provide staff support to several special event committees and all other volunteers and staff involved with fundraising."

Best perk: "Working for an agency where everyone is considered family."

Ambition: "To inspire and educate other families to consider adoption."

Best advice received: "Can't never could – never let someone tell you that you can't do something in life."

Best advice to give: "Never live your life looking in the rear view mirror – you might just miss what is right in front of you."

It's a bad day when: "Good or bad – every day is a blessing from God."

It's a good day when: "We receive news that one of our children has been adopted. As a parent blessed by adoption you just can't get a better day than that!"

Role models: "Growing up, my mother and my grandmothers were a huge influence in my life. As an adult, my husband has been an amazing role model for our daughter Isabella. He is an awesome father, husband and my best friend!"

Working on: "I am reminded of how important my job is when we have the honor of interviewing our kids that are waiting for their 'Forever Families.' God blessed our family with our daughter and now it is my job to make sure each and every one of these children is provided for while we continue to strive to find loving permanent homes."